PC Testing Apparatus

[seamorton]

Would like to hear from Our Forum your opinion on using the testing apparatuses that are available? How applicable and reliable for someone that is an older newby at this technology? Came across a power supply tester an MB testing units and they are probably others. Looking for your candid opinions for somebody that only occasionally deals with home desktop PCs. Would appreciate any an all input concerning this possibility. Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with this SC. SM - USAF 62-66

 

[Bubbaleone]

Welcome to the Forums seamorton! If you're asking whether devices like these:

could aid in determining whether a PC component is good or bad, the answer is yes. However, that answer would be totally dependent upon one's actual level of technical knowledge regarding computer hardware devices and the use of related diagnostic test devices. Would you mind elaborating a bit on what it is you'd like to achieve, and a brief summary of your current background with PCs whether desktop or portable?

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[seamorton]

Welcome to the Forums seamorton! If you're asking whether devices like these:

could aid in determining whether a PC component is good or bad, the answer is yes. However, that answer would be totally dependent upon one's actual level of technical knowledge regarding computer hardware devices and the use of related diagnostic test devices. Would you mind elaborating a bit on what it is you'd like to achieve, and a brief summary of your current background with PCs whether desktop or portable?

.

Thank you for the greeting. I should of taken the time to post an introduction. Have to work on that. For a while I didn't think I was going to get any kind of reply.

Essentially I came across a few older desktop PCs that I had put aside when a problem showed up. To be candid, I'm an older individual and haven't the foggiest idea of what/how to go about checking them out.

The most recent case was a power surge that occurred and the PC went out and the monitor would not startup or bootup. A couple of things came to mind. PS, MB or HD. Just needed something that would help in that situation to possibly locate where the problem may be and of what to consider. Realize there is a lot to consider. But then I was hoping that Our Family Forum would be able to take it from there . Hope that may help to answer your question?

Thank you very much for your reply and where find these apparatuses. From you posting I think they may help for my situation?? SM

 

[Bubbaleone]

You're quite welcome. Given your current level of PC knowledge, I don't believe spending your money on diagnostic hardware would be of much benefit to you right now. I'd suggest digging out one of the PCs you're interested in fixing and jot down the manufacturer and model number. Then, post that info back here along with a description of what was going on when it quit working and what happens now when you try to power it on. With that info the members here will be much better able to offer useful suggestions that'll allow you to start learning about (and practicing) the accepted and proven methods we use to zero in on what's failed and how to fix the problem.

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[Burpo]

If you have a "few older desktop pc's", then I would swap out power supply first (easiest to do).. If no joy? It's probably the board & depending on age, may not be worth fixing.

 

[PliotronX]

IME the inexpensive power supply testers are almost worthless simply because they do not produce a load on the PSU. Every time we've had a power supply issue, those testers show all voltages good but the system just will not start. Don't waste your time because true PSU testers are 1-2k dollars. You might want to query the members of JonnyGURU's forum as he is like the grandmaster PSU guy. We always keep a known good power supply on hand to swap in and determine if the PSU is the culprit. You don't need a super expensive one as the known good test either, the brand is more important than the wattage rating so a good 450-500W to keep on hand is a good idea. If the caps on the motherboard look good, chances are great that the PSU is to blame. PSUs rank up there with HDDs in being the failure point of long running PCs. This is the contention I have with prebuilt PCs, their PSUs are always of questionable quality.

 

[sm625]

For DIYers the best way to test a component is to build up a system on your bench with whatever parts you have and see if it can run a full suite of stress tests.